Percutaneous Drilling of Symptomatic Accessory Navicular in Young Athletes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Results of percutaneous drilling for symptomatic type II accessory tarsal navicular bone are not determined. HYPOTHESIS: Percutaneous drilling of accessory navicular synchondrosis will induce or accelerate bone union between the accessory and primary navicular bones. Bone union of the synchondrosis leads to symptomatic relief. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Thirty-one feet of 29 patients with type II accessory tarsal navicular treated by percutaneous drilling were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-four feet (77.4%) were assessed as excellent, 6 (19.4%) as good, and 1 (3.2%) as fair. No feet were assessed as poor. Bone union was obtained in 16 (80%) of the 20 feet when the proximal phalanx of the great toe was immature and in 2 of the 11 feet when it was mature. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous drilling of the synchondrosis was effective for a symptomatic type II accessory navicular, especially in patients with immature proximal phalanx of the great toe.